Gibson Guitar Corporation has issued a cease and desist order to Trump Guitars over their single-cut electric guitar model, claiming it violates Gibson's trademarked Les Paul body shape design.
The guitars in question are being marketed as "the only guitar officially endorsed by President Donald J. Trump" and are manufactured by 16 Creative, a veteran-owned branding agency, under the Trump Guitars brand name.
The disputed Presidential Series models, priced at $1,500, feature mahogany bodies and necks with rosewood fingerboards, along with dual humbucker pickups dubbed "Maga '45." Unlike traditional Les Pauls, these guitars utilize bolt-on neck construction rather than set necks.
The collection includes various models adorned with patriotic imagery, including an American Eagle series featuring flag designs and "Make America Great Again" fretboard inlays. Limited signed editions are being offered at prices exceeding $10,000.
While Trump Guitars claims their instruments are "custom designed and developed with the help of a master luthier," the company acknowledges using parts from both domestic and international suppliers, raising questions about their "Made in USA" status.
This guitar controversy adds to recent Trump-related guitar incidents, including the discovery of a Gibson case near classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and the release of NFT cards depicting the former president playing a Gibson-style guitar.
Gibson's legal action aims to protect its iconic Les Paul design, which has been a cornerstone of the company's identity since its introduction in the 1950s. Neither Trump Guitars nor 16 Creative has publicly responded to the cease and desist order.